It’s just another storyline in what is setting up to be a juicy rematch of the NFC Championship Game from last season. With any luck, the actual game will match the hype, but we all know that rarely happens.

"Smith is a beast on the inside," Gilbride said to the New York media Thursday. "He's strong, he does as good a job of grabbing a hold of offensive linemen and allowing those twists to take place. He never gets called for it, so he gets away with murder."

How did Smith react?

"Whatever," he said. "Doesn't bother me. I'm going to have to look (Gilbride) up, see who he is."